When the movie came out there was a lot of press and at some point I heard or read a review that basically gave this story away and I think if this woWhen the movie came out there was a lot of press and at some point I heard or read a review that basically gave this story away and I think if this wouldn't have happened, I may have liked the book just a little more. Chandra requested that I read this book so she had someone to discuss it with as she read it while on a recent flight. I am not sure she will ever ask me to read a book again after my criticism.Bernhard definitely didn't win me over with his writing style. Perhaps something is lost in translation but I never found myself caring or loving any of the characters. The book always kept me at arms distance from everyone and everything. Perhaps that was his intention as he uses a similar critique of the the biography one of the victims wrote that is used during the trial. I also found myself constantly having to go back and try to piece together the chronologically of this book. And finally, perhaps my biggest complaint is that the largest section of this book is focused on the events that occur when the narrator is 15. While I appreciate that this event shapes and forms who he becomes but it seemed excessive. He quickly moves through other time periods and characters that I think he could have used to help tell the story in a much better manner.I would recommend this book to some but this may be one where the movie is better than the book (which means I have to go see the movie)....more

I liked the start of this one better but it started to drag on a little for me. But what I love about this series, outside of getting to read them witI liked the start of this one better but it started to drag on a little for me. But what I love about this series, outside of getting to read them with JT and Zach, is that I am learning about a Greek Mythology a topic that I loathed as a child and avoided at all costs. This series is a great introduction and will hopefully spark an interest in the boys that I never had. I admit the gods are growing on me....more

This story centers around 4 children who are brought together through a mysterious ad that asks for children with extraordinary skills to take test toThis story centers around 4 children who are brought together through a mysterious ad that asks for children with extraordinary skills to take test to join a special society.The children soon realize that they are taking on an even bigger task with the threat of a Dystopian society.The book explores several complex ideas about society (I guess most books that explore dystopian societies would) but I think the most meaningful message is the power of friendship as the four children who are accustomed to being isolated realize how much they value and trust each other and each individuals' idiosycrancies.The book is long and definitely for a more mature reader (if you are sharing this one with a child). I think I struggled with sci-fi aspect of it but mostly because it isn't a normal genre for me to read. I am curious to see where the author takes the children in the other books and will hopefully get around to those soon....more